Brawny Cal's Fishing Report

Rattle Spot

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 06:36:05 -0600

Feb 21 using Red Rattle Spot caught 7 Hybrids and 1 Red drum..Mid afternoon partly cloudy..water temp 60.5..along dam and side road south side from Kayak.

Hi Brawny Cal, any chance in doing a family fishing lesson for the Texas spring break weekend March 10-12? We don't know how to fish but want to learn and thought it would be nice to camp nearby and see if you were available to teach how to fish. What might you charge for something like that?

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 06:35:46 -0600

Send an email to me at brawnycal@braunig-calaveras.info and we can discuss the options.

I'm new to the area and need a place to take my boat out to do some fishing. Which lake is better fishing, Braunig or Calaveras? Thanks.

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 10:03:00 -0600

Both Lakes offer excellent fishing. Calaveras is known for a prodigus amount of Red Drum. While Braunig has Red Drum it offers a greater amount of Large Mouth Bass. Both Lakes have generous amount of Catfish. Good luck.—Brawny Cal

During this time of the year what is the best type of bait to be using off the bank?

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 07:49:32 -0600

Fishing from the bank worms are the best bet for Catfish/Bass. If you wade out into the lake and cast far enough out live minnows for possible Redfish and Hybrid. Frozen shrimp is also another choice for a variety of fish. Good Luck!

are there any boat rental,s yet thank you

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:14:29 -0600

We don’t have boat rentals in the parks but Killa Bait, the bait shop just outside the gate at Calaveras, has boats for rent. Their phone number is (210) 635-8686.

whats the winter pattern for reds ? if someone really wanted to try to catch reds(from a boat) in winter what would be the most appropriate technique.

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 21:03:22 -0600

With the lack of crawfish these time if the year, your best bet is to throw rattle trap 1/2 or 3/4 silver with blue or black back. Throw in water at least 25, or 30 feet. Allow lure to drop 20 feet and begin retrieve. Good Luck!

Brawny Cal

I am new to San Antonio and finally registered my boat here in the state of Texas. As an individual from the midwest, I love catching a mess of bluegill for a fish fry. I have read many reports but have not heard anything regarding pan fish in either lake. Could yall give me some clarity on this? Thank you!

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 18:08:25 -0600

Both Lakes offer plenty of Blue gill. They can easily be found around bank and ramps (Fishing pier as well). Worms are your best bait. Good luck.

Brawny Cal

are there any carp or trout in the lakes .

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 06:06:55 -0600

Some carp, no trout.

Calaveras CATS! Happy New Years!

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 06:05:58 -0600

Trolling for Reds and got 2 nice 2 lb cats on spoons!!

So I have an annual permit, but the website seems to indicate that next year, if I were to come fishing in the summer but not leave until 8 or 9 PM I'll have to pay an additional $4.00 per trip. Is that true? How will that work? I have no interest in camping, but having to pay $4.00 just because you don't get your boat out of the water until a half-hour after dark seems wrong. Most of us fisherman like to fish until dark, and in the summer that is after 8. The line @ramp will be horrible at 7:30

Sat, 17 Dec 2011 13:23:02 -0600

Your understanding is correct. Anyone staying past 8 PM will be required to pay a $4 per vehicle disbursed camping fee unless you have rented a table or an RV site.

Is the wood/charcoal ban still in effect? I planning a trip soon to Calaveras or Braunig and wood like to make arrangement ahead of time.

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 12:39:25 -0600

As of Dec. 6 the ban has been extended for another 90 days. Wood fires are banned by the county; charcoal fires are banned by the park management. Only propane grills are permitted at Braunig and Calaveras. A fire extinguisher or bucket of water should be at hand when grilling.

Catfish biting

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 13:17:00 -0600

Went out about a week ago and caught a good 2 pounder from the bank, using a 1 ounce weight, #5 circle hook and yeh monn crawfish bait.

Any reports on what people been catching at both lakes?

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 13:16:57 -0600

Mostly catfish.

So, where can I get bait to fish with at Braunig or Calaveras lake? I am considering fishing both lakes next week, but I am concerned about finding bait. Please respond ASAP, thanks!

Sat, 19 Nov 2011 21:14:12 -0600

Both parks have a store that carries night crawlers, frozen shrimp, shad, and chicken liver as well as artificial bait.

Also I’ve heard that if you thaw out the chicken livers they come back to life. ;-)

My daughter (6 yrs. old) and I are planning to head out to the lake tomorrow (Sat. 11/19/2011). Is there much bank fishing there at Braunig? I don't have a boat and we just want to hang out, and have a good time. If we catch anything that will be a bonus.

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 09:50:20 -0600

There is quite a bit of shoreline and the crowds are not as big this time of year. There is a spot down toward Dead Tree Point (ask when you come in) where there is some concrete at the water’s edge that looks like an upside down canoe. That’s a good spot to catch perch, a smaller fish. Have fun!

When do the hybrids strippers start getting active at Braunig?

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 14:29:48 -0600

Fishing in 2011 has been “screwy” at best. Blame it on the drought, weather conditions, I don’t know why. Hybirds by normal means should start moving soon, however this year that may not be true. Large mouth Bass right now will be found in shallow water…the shad and other bait fish are in the shallows and the Bass will follow. Throw crank baits and topwater luresearly in the morning….Good Luck!

Looking at taking the boat or the kayak to braunig or cally this week for red fish or hybrids which ever is hotter and which ever lake is hotter. Any idea where to fish and what to use.

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 22:59:47 -0500

The reds have been running near the wall and the dam near the kayak launch at Calaveras recently. Most reports on the reds are with spoons, rat-l-traps, and cut bait. Not sure about Braunig recently.

"No Fishing" Signs Replaced at Calaveras

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 09:15:53 -0500

The “No Fishing” signs have been replaced at the kayak launch point at Calaveras Lake. Fishing is prohibited in and to the south of the launch area.

there seems to be alot of fisherman fishing the shorline near the kayak and small boat ramp off of calaveras. this becomes difficult to launch bevause lines are all over the place. tempers can fly if lines are crossed. my question why is this area not a no fishing zone as it is at brauning lake.

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 22:45:33 -0500

We are looking into replacing the “No Fishing” signs that were stolen.

I have a boat, where should I start on the lake to catch catfish with the water temp around 90. I was out with a friend last week and we only had 2 fish in 6 hours.

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 08:43:46 -0500

Fishing Braunig and Calaveras Lakes this time of year does have its challenges. The Redfish are about to end their run and the Catfish are slow biting in current temperature, however you can still have a productive time. Catfish are normally found all over Calaveras, however you have to find spots were they are active. Right now I would think they are most active on the “Wall”….Tie your boat on the Wall and throw lines to the other side. Suggest using shrimp and tilapia as baits….Good Luck!